Sage at John Jay Homestead in Katonah. / Staff TJN

GOT A QUESTION?

Q: I would like to start a small herb garden this summer. Any suggestions on good herbs for a beginner? I’ve got some sun, but the area is shady part of the day.

A: As you set off to cultivate herbs, the first thing you will have to ascertain is your choice of location. Herbs require about 6 hours of sunshine, but some herbs will grow successfully in part shade.

Secondly, the soil should be evaluated as to whether the incorporation of lime will be necessary. You can do this by bringing a soil sample to your county Cornell Cooperative Extension office and having it tested for alkalinity vs. acidity. Pick six places in a given area. Dig down 3 inches and take about 2 tablespoonsful of soil from the bottom of each 3-inch hole. Then mix all 12 tablespoons of soil that you’ve gathered from those six holes together in a zip-type plastic bag or leak-proof container and mail it to your local Extension office. The fee may vary from office to office, so call before you send. A friable soil that has been enriched with a bit of composted matter and lime as necessary will ensure a sweetened soil that herbs do well in.

Herbs that will do well in part-shade or less than 6 hours of sunshine include chives, parsley, tarragon, cress, salad burnet, chervil, thyme (some varieties), sage, lemon balm, mint, sweet cicely and sweet woodruff.

Growing your herbs from seed is very rewarding, but since the season is well on its way you may want to buy plants that are already established in order to enjoy your harvests. It is a good idea to place the perennial herbs in permanent areas of your herb bed and then fill in with annual herbs such as basil, summer savory, dill, borage, cilantro and oregano (depending on the type of oregano, some may not over-winter and are best considered annuals). I’ve had success in bordering my herb beds with alliums, garlic chives and common chives, to ward off some pests.

You can create an alternative location for growing herbs in large containers placed in the sunniest areas of your grounds, thus letting you grow herbs that require more light. However, you must ensure that the pots have good drainage (one of the criteria for growing herbs) and again, very friable (loose and workable) soil.